Mlle. Bie, Paris, from the Actors and Actresses series (N171) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1886 - 1890

This small card from the late 19th century was made by Goodwin & Company as part of the "Actors and Actresses" series for Old Judge Cigarettes. Its subject is Mlle. Bie, a French actress. These cards weren't meant for the walls of museums. Instead, they came free with tobacco products, meant to be collected and traded. Consider it an early form of advertising, embedding images of beauty and fame within an everyday commodity. In a time before mass media, these cards offered a glimpse into the world of celebrity, helping to construct and disseminate notions of beauty, success, and fame. They catered to a growing consumer culture. This seemingly innocent card participated in complex systems of commerce, celebrity, and gender. It's a fascinating reminder that what we consider 'art' is deeply shaped by its social and institutional context. Examining such ephemera helps us understand the values and desires of a particular historical moment.